## Overview Bad Boy Entertainment (also known as Bad Boy Records) is a pioneering American record label specializing in hip-hop and R&B, founded by Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs in 1993[1][5]. While early planning began under Uptown Records in 1992, Bad Boy truly launched as an independent entity after Combs left Uptown and secured a distribution deal with Arista Records, a major industry player at the time[1][3]. The label quickly became synonymous with the “shiny suit” era of East Coast hip-hop, blending street credibility with mainstream pop appeal. ## History Bad Boy’s rise was meteoric. In its first years, the label signed influential artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Craig Mack, Faith Evans, 112, Mase, The Lox, and Total[1][5]. The 1994 release of The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut album, *Ready to Die*, marked a turning point, establishing both the artist and the label as dominant forces in music[3]. In 1996, Combs renegotiated his deal with Arista, gaining 50% ownership and significant creative control—a rare feat for a young Black entrepreneur in the industry[1][3]. This joint venture model allowed Bad Boy to maintain artistic independence while leveraging Arista’s distribution muscle. ## Key Achievements Bad Boy’s golden era (mid-to-late 1990s) produced multiple chart-topping albums and singles, including Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear” and The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy”[3][4]. Combs himself became a star, releasing hit solo albums and executive producing soundtracks. The label’s business acumen was as notable as its music: Combs’s savvy negotiations over ownership stakes and master recordings set industry precedents[3]. Bad Boy also expanded into television with the